BORDEAUX: Italy coach Antonio Conte was full of praise for German counterpart Joachim Loew, but believes the Azzurri are ready to avenge a recent friendly thrashing to book their place in the semi-finals of Euro 2016.
Two years on from crashing out of a second successive World Cup at the group stage, Italy are in contention to win their first European championships since 1968.
Yet, standing in their way are the world champions and “the most complete” squad of players Conte has ever seen.
The Chelsea-bound coach admits beating Loew’s men four months after a 4-1 friendly humbling in Munich is the “ultimate test” of the Azzurri’s title-winning credentials.
However, he insists Italy are ready to face their destiny and “play to our strengths” in a bid to cause a second successive upset after shocking holders Spain 2-0 in Paris on Monday.
“I don’t know if the gap between us and Germany has closed, but that friendly taught us a lot of things about them,” Conte said ahead of Saturday’s clash in Bordeaux.
